Apply for Your Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC) – Australia’s cheapest, most secure and trusted MSIC provider.

You apply for either a Blue or White MSIC based on your operational need, not both simultaneously

Details

• Your employer's operational need letter should specify which type of MSIC is required for your position
• If your role changes and requires a different MSIC type, you would need to consult with your Issuing Body about the appropriate process
• The background checking requirements are the same for both types.

Visitors may enter a maritime security zone without an MSIC as long as they are escorted or monitored by a holder of a valid blue MSIC.

Simple rule:
One-off visit + escorted = No MSIC needed
Work-related access + unescorted = MSIC required

You do not need to be an Australian citizen, but you must be either a citizen or have a valid visa entitling you to work in Australia. (See r. 6.08C(1)(c))

Note 2 to Regulation 6.08J specifically references privacy restrictions: "National Privacy Principle 7, set out in Schedule 3 to the Privacy Act 1988, restricts the uses to which an identifier of an individual can be put." MSIC as Identification:

1) Contains photo and name (Regulation 6.08J(4)(d))

2) Has unique identifying number Government-issued through authorised bodies

3) Subject to strict form requirements.

Legal Restrictions:

• Privacy Act limits use of government identifiers Issued specifically for maritime security purposes
• No provision authorising general ID use Regulation 6.07A defines purpose narrowly for maritime security zones

Practical Limitations:

• ‍‍Not recognised as general government ID
• No address or date of birth typically shown
• Security features designed for maritime use Issuing bodies aren't government agencies (except Customs)

Appropriate Uses:

• ‍‍Maritime security zone access
• Verification of maritime work authorisation
• Maritime industry employment verification

Inappropriate Uses:

• General proof of age
• Banking identification
• Non-maritime government services
• Organisations should not adopt MSIC numbers as identifiers under Privacy Principle 7, and holders should use conventional ID for non-maritime purposes.

Regulation 6.08BB(2)(a) specifies the exact documentation requirements for MSIC applications:

Category A identification document (defined in Regulation 6.07B(1)):

For Australian-born persons: Australian birth certificate or notice under section 37 of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 For others: Valid document providing evidence of the start of identity in Australia (e.g., naturalisation certificate, visa, movement record)

Category B: Identification document that is different from

Category A: Current and valid document with photo and signature issued by government Examples

• driver's licenses or passports (Australian or foreign)

Category C identification document:

• Different from both A and B:
  
  • Current valid document showing use of identity in the community
    
    • Examples include Medicare cards or private health insurance cards

Category D identification document (if residential address not shown in other documents):

• Valid document showing current residential address less than 6 months old
  
  • Example: utilities notice

All documents must be provided in person as originals (Regulation 6.08BB(2)(a)) and the issuing body must verify identity at the time of document submission (Regulation 6.08BB(4)). If documents are not in English. Regulation 6.07HA requires an accurate translation.

The regulations require that an MSIC cannot be issued until the applicant demonstrates 'operational need' for unescorted access to a maritime security zone (r. 6.07A(1)(c); r. 6.07B definition of operational need).

ClientView offers a 'Job Ready' application, where you can complete your background check before securing a job. However, the card will not be issued until you supply evidence of operational need (a job offer or contract).

The MSIC system is national (r. 6.07B(1)), and all requirements in Part 6 of the Regulations apply to any declared maritime security zone in Australia

Details

• Local operators may have additional procedures or access controls, but core MSIC requirements are uniform.

See also this article: https://www.msic.com.au/blog/truck-driver-msic-vs-access-card

Minor traffic offences generally do not affect MSIC eligibility

Details

• Only convictions for 'maritime security relevant offences' or certain serious criminal offences may disqualify you.

Regulation references

See r. 6.07B for definitions of relevant offences